The newly introduced Energy sector levy is drawing sharp criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who warn it will deepen Ghana’s cost of living crisis.
Government has introduced a GHC1 levy per litre of fuel, the implementation of which is scheduled for 16th June,
Speaking at a press conference on June 9, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ranking Member on the Economy and Planning Committee, said the levy, which they have christened ‘Dumsor levy’ is among the highest ever imposed in the country.
“At 8% per litre, the D-Levy is quietly draining more from Ghanaians than the E-Levy ever managed to — and that’s saying something,” Oppong Nkrumah noted.
He argued that instead of burdening citizens with new taxes, the government should focus on alternative solutions such as renegotiating power purchase agreements, moving fuel purchases and excess capacity charges off ECG’s books, and improving operational efficiency at ECG and GRIDCo.
“Instead of taxing Ghanaians more, why not fix the inefficiencies and renegotiate the bad deals? That’s where the real savings are,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, George Aboagye, described the move as a “hypocrisy” and a complete policy U-turn.
“The NDC in less than six months has imposed a levy they swore they never would. It’s a 360-degree turnaround,” Aboagye said, calling it a betrayal of public trust. He also criticized the government for pushing the bill through Parliament without consultation.
“There was no transparency, no stakeholder engagement. It was sneaked through clandestinely. It defeats everything they say they stand for,” he added.
Aboagye further questioned the conflicting messages from the President and the Energy Minister on the levy’s purpose, saying the lack of clarity raises serious doubts about the government’s intentions.
